5 charged in gambling ring bust

Editor's note: This story has been updated with the correct date of when search warrants were executed.----

Five people have been charged with running an illegal gambling ring that took bets on sporting events.

The charges are the result of a two-year investigation by the Region of Irish Hills Narcotics Office, according to a news release issued Wednesday by RIHNO. The ring involved suspects in Lenawee and Jackson counties and is accused of taking bets primarily on professional and college football games.

Officers executed search warrants Jan. 7, 2013, on three locations in Lenawee County and one in Jackson County, the news release said. Officers seized betting slips and other evidence of illegal gambling.

The Michigan Attorney General's Office reviewed the case and authorized charges against five people. Four of those five were arrested Monday and lodged at the Lenawee County Jail pending arraignment in Lenawee County District Court.

The news release did not identify the defendants.

The charges against the five defendants include conducting a criminal enterprise, felony gambling activities, felony gambling operations and felony tax charges.

RIHNO was assisted during the investigation by troopers from the Michigan State Police posts in Monroe and Jackson, the state police's 1st District Hometown Security Team, the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team and personnel from the state police's gaming section and computer crimes unit. Additional assistance was provided by the Adrian Police Department, the Raisin Township Department of Public Safety and the Lenawee County Sheriff's Department, according to the news release.

This story will be updated.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.